Most of the nation will trend wetter and cooler than normal

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 1/7/2011 4:51:58 AM

Last November, temperatures nationally were the warmest in eight years; 73% of the country trended warmer than the prior year. Precipitation trended much below the average as this was the third driest retail November in more than 17 years. Snowfall also was the least in 17+ years in November 2009, which was exceptional for outdoor categories like home decor, especially when combined with warmer and drier conditions.

     This month will trend cooler than last year with the biggest changes toward colder weather across the northern half of the nation.
     This month will trend cooler than last year with the biggest changes toward colder weather across the northern half of the nation. Meanwhile, areas from Texas through Alabama will be more favorable for outdoor categories as temperatures trend milder.

     Unfortunately, much of the nation will trend wetter with precipitation above normal for November for the first time in three years, a detriment for the outdoor living categories.
Snowfall will also be higher this year, with the greatest risk for an early season snowstorm from northeastern Nebraska through Minnesota. Downwind of the Great Lakes, northern New England and the Rockies will see more snow than last year.